Emanuel Ciantar, 44, from Gzira today was granted a three-year conditional discharge after he assaulted a referee during a football match between Gzira and Kirkop.

The incident happened at the Mosta football ground on Monday night at around 9pm, when referee Etienne Mangion sent off two Gzira players during the match. At that point, Mr Ciantar assaulted the referee, causing him injuries to his back and his face.

Mr Ciantar is a former member of the Gzira football committee. He was also found guilty of breaching public peace and using foul language. He is being banned from being present at football matches for a year, or from making any contact with the referee.

He was granted conditional discharge over a guarantee of €1,000.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman presided. Inspector Nicholas Vella prosecuted. Dr Chris Cilia represented the accused.